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This year’s model of the Honda Crosstour has many notable changes to it from bumper to bumper. Industry experts have seen the 2013 model at the New York International Auto Show where it has gone from concept to the first year that it is available to the general public. Originally, this car was the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour before Honda gave it a simpler and more attractive name. Styling is the first big change with the debuting model year having a brand new grille and front bumper. On the rear bumper, the tailgate has been re-engineered to let the Crosstour have a more rustic and wider appearance. The concept’s 19-inch five-spoke wheels have been modified to have a slightly smaller and better looking 18-inch design. In fact, the entire car has undergone different levels of change from the concept car; some speculate that because the concept car’s looks, design and pictures were almost given away by Honda as the car evolved from a proto-type to a vehicle available to the public. Overall, this five-door hatchback model has a more powerful six-cylinder engine, better styling, a better interior trim, and a raised suspension that gives this new model from Honda the best chances of succeeding with consumers.

2013 Honda Crosstour Exterior

Looking at the exterior, the 2013 Honda has many noticeable changes from its predecessor concept models. Along with the new styling, Honda has added a gray polymer lower body, re-engineered wheels, more color options and “skid plate” elements to the back and front bumpers. The side view mirror on the operator’s side is going to be increased; this will enable the driver to see pedestrians on the road and other vehicles when passing. The 19-inch wheels are no longer going to be available for this car.

Looking inside, there are many features that spell comfort and convenience. Interior upholstery and materials are going to be made more durable after the concept’s original materials proved too fragile. There is also an eight-inch screen that enables drivers to use the navigation and entertainment systems. This screen also gives on-demand information regarding the car’s instrumentation. There is also an exterior, rear camera to aid in backing up, paddle shifters for the six-cylinder models, Bluetooth hands-free capability, USB capability, voice-operated texting, Pandora Internet radio, keyless entry and a push-button ignition system. Beyond the standard features for the 2013 Crosstour, there are countless other upgrade options for this vehicle. Upholstery can be upgraded to leather, a premium stereo system is better, there are independent driver and front passenger climate control.

2013 Honda Crosstour Interior

Looking at the space inside for both driver and occupants, reviewers have given it mixed reviews. As one believes the vehicles taller body will give everyone more room, real-world experience says otherwise. While getting in and out of the car is markedly better than Honda’s concept models, the curved roofline has proven to give marginal improvements when it comes to increasing headroom for the rear passenger seating areas. While the seats do fold down to lengthy objects, the car’s cargo area is compromised through its angled glass, raised cargo floor and rear suspension strut towers that really make the cargo space narrow than is conducive for carrying ample goods.

There are many different trim, color and powertrain options for the 2013 Honda Crosstour. Looking at its base model, the EX, it only comes in a two-wheel drive option. This trim model comes in either a grey or black exterior cover and only has a black interior color. The EX-L trim level is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The two wheel drive option is available in both the grey and black exterior options and the standard black interior. However, the four-wheel drive option gives consumers the choice of an Ivory interior with a dark brown exterior color or a black interior color with the following exterior color options: white, grey, black or red. The top tier trim level, the EX-L Navi is available in only a four-wheel drive option and has the same color options at the four-wheel drive EX-L model.

Taking a peak under the hood gives consumers a powerful engine that does no compromise fuel efficiency for the 2013 Honda Crosstour. Every new 2013 model features a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with it only available in front-wheel-drive. Producing more than 271 horsepower, it does not sacrifice its fuel efficiency because it now features Variable Cylinder Management as part of its current engine improvements. Combine this with Honda’s automatic four-wheel-drive optional traction system and paddle shifters for its automatic transmission, virtually nothing is sacrificed and everything is gained.

Even though there is a six-cylinder engine under this car’s hood, it does not impinge upon fuel efficiency in the slightest. The most recent fuel efficiency ratings for this car have it at 21/29/24 city/highway/combined. Therefore, even though there is a powerful engine under the hood providing enough power for safety and responsiveness, it still gives owners a great deal when it comes to filling up on gas.

When it comes to safety, nothing is lacking so its passengers, drivers and others will be 100% safe. This car comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes that feature Honda’s proprietary electronic brake-force distribution and its brake assist technology. Its other proprietary technology is its Advanced Compatibility Engineering technology; this helps the car’s frame, not its driver and occupants sustain the energy which minimizes injuries. Other safety features include passive stability and traction control, six expertly placed air bags, a camera to help operators backup safely and wider than industry standard driver’s side view mirrors to ensure there are no blind-spot issues. Other safety features include collision and lane-departure warning systems.

2013 Honda Crosstour Exterior

Looking at this car from its concept models to its first year as a vehicle available to the public, it has advanced leaps and bounds. However, there is much improvement needed, especially in the cargo and interior spaces for driver and passengers alike. Time will tell and further improvements will be evaluated as Honda receives feedback from its initial customers of one of its newest cars.

One of Honda’s newest models, which was recently introduced in the United States auto market in August of 2010, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is quickly becoming a very popular car in the sub-compact and hybrid markets. The 2013 model year has definitely received some upgrades and improvements because of consumer feedback and Honda’s own internal reflections. Some highlights include it getting a more powerful engine, both the hybrid and gasoline engines. Other improvements include exterior and interior upgrades to this year’s model. Specifically, its grille, headlamps and front bumper have all been redesigned to be more visually appealing to consumers. Other changes include giving consumers a choice of having 17-inch alloy wheels and two more exterior colors which are Aurora Violet and Energetic Yellow. Interior improvements include different and new color palettes and door storage compartments.

2013 Honda CR-Z Exterior

When it comes to the overall appearance of this car, car enthusiasts are welcoming the minor changes for the already sleek looking 2013 model year. Honda has maintained this car’s sporty and youthful stance and wedge-like shape of the car, however, the Euro-styled bumper has been re-engineered to feature bigger intakes and fog light housing. It also has a slightly refined grille that switches out slats in place of a new honeycomb design. Aesthetically, the re-designed grille tones down the “in your face” grille by “floating” the front-mounted license plate right in the grille; this is done in contrast to letting it hang loose from the opening’s top edge. On the back end, Honda subtly and discreetly gave the rear bumper’s lower diffuser a few new edges, angles and unique reflector elements.

2013 Honda CR-Z Exterior

There are also improvements when it comes to the engine and powertrain that are certainly noticeable. The new engine is still a 1.5-liter engine, however, Honda has increased the level of horsepower from 112 horsepower to 119 horsepower. Its complementary electric engine (since it is a hybrid engine) gives it 16 more horsepower. Therefore, the total available horsepower for this year’s model comes to 135 horsepower. For the 2013 model year, Honda has created its own proprietary Plus Sport (S+) technology. This technology, which gives the operator 10 seconds of an electric boost to the engine’s power, enables the vehicle’s operator to turn it on by pressing the S+ button. As long as the car’s battery is more than half charged, this can be activated and is indicated by a flashing gauge on the car’s dashboard. This is available with the ECON, Sport or Normal driving modes.

Although some may think this hybrid car lacks performance, there is nothing lacking in that department. Whether one chooses the available six-speed manual transmission or the Continuously Variable Transmission, drivers have no reduction of its smooth and responsive driving performance. With its low center of gravity and its torsion-beam rear suspension, it produces a synergistic blend of stability, agility and the smoothest ride Honda has produced to date! Gas mileage is great on this year’s model too. If you get the manual transmission for your new 2013 CR-Z, you will get 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg on average for fuel efficiency. If you get the CVT for your new CR-Z you will get 35 mpg around town, 39 mpg on the freeway and 37 on average for fuel efficiency.

Regarding safety, the 2013 Honda CR-Z is loaded with many safety features that protect occupants and the driver extremely well. To make sure your car has perfect traction, this vehicle has Honda’s proprietary Vehicle Stability Assist system standard. This system ensures your car is not over steering or under steering by passively monitoring and adjusting brake pressure on each individual wheel and adjusting engine power to stabilize driver control. Every Honda CR-Z has four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes on it that feature Electronic Brake Distribution technology – this helps maintain adequate control during a hard brake. Since perfectly inflated tires remain essential to maintaining traction, there is a monitoring system for the car’s tire pressure added to each car – this system instantly informs the vehicle’s operator when a tire’s pressure level is either too high or too low.

Other safety features include structural, airbag and restraint safety measures. If you and your occupants are ever involved in an accident, Honda has engineered this vehicle with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. This means that if you are involved in a crash, you and your passengers will be at a lower risk of suffering injuries because the car’s frame is designed to sustain and distribute more of the force throughout the frame and the vehicle’s front end. Other injury mitigating features include side curtain, front and front side airbags and active driver and passenger head restraints that minimize the chances of whiplash injuries during a rear collision.

The Honda CR-Z has a great audio system for both of its trim models. If you get the CR-Z trim model, you will be able to enjoy your music through its 160-watt six speaker system. It comes standard with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, an auxiliary jack and a USB audio interface. The CR-Z EX trim level has 360 watts with its 7 speaker sound system (including an eight-inch subwoofer). Like the Base model, it also comes standard with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, an auxiliary jack and a USB audio interface. An upgrade option for the EX trim model includes a navigation system with a navigation system. Both trim models also have the ability to have XM Satellite Radio installed in it.

2013 Honda CR-Z Interior

When it comes to pricing, both models are pretty affordable. The Base model, the CR-Z, starts in the mid $19,000s. The CR-Z EX model starts in the low $21,000s. These prices come directly from the manufacturer and vary based on your individual location, do not include upgrades, promotions and your individual negotiations. If there are promotions, trade-ins, and other variables which are individual to your situation, the final price you pay will ultimately vary.

Yamaha has a wide variety of off road, dual purpose and motocross models for 2013. We’ve already covered the YZ motocross line and several WR off road and dual purpose models here “2013 Yamaha WR and YZ Motorcycle Model Lineup.” We’ll tackle the rest of the lineup here.

2013 Dual Purpose Models

Ride the trails on the weekend and to work Monday, all on the same motorcycle. Yamaha’s dual purpose models are 100 percent street legal but tough enough to handle any off road experience.

XT250

Yamaha gave the XT250 a number of upgrades for 2013. Perhaps the biggest is a fuel injection system that provides easy starting and smooth throttle response. The XT250 also received upgrades to the piston and crankshaft to combine for improved heat dissipation, better performance and increased power.

2013 Yamaha XT250

With electric start and street legal features like the Enduro-style headlight, flex-mounted turn indicators, rear view mirrors and redesigned, compact instrument panel with digital readouts for speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, clock and indicator lights for low fuel, the XT250 makes for a great commuter bike. But don’t limit your riding to paved surfaces. An impressive 11.2 inches of ground clearance means the XT250 is just as much at home on the trails.

There’s plenty of power in the fuel-injected, air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder 249 cc engine with a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The XT250 has a five-speed transmission and chain final drive. Stopping power is more than adequate via the 245 mm front disc and 203 mm rear disc.

Along with that incredible 11.2 inches of ground clearance, the 35 mm telescopic front fork provides 8.9 inches of travel and the rear suspension, swingarm with a rebound-adjustable single shock, has 7.1 inches of travel so you’re ready for any surface that stands between you and your destination.

The XT250 has a manageable 31.9 inch seat height, which is pretty amazing considering the ground clearance on this bike. Wheelbase is 53.5 inches and wet weight is a svelte 291 pounds. The fuel tank only holds 2.6 gallons of fuel, but with an estimated 76 mpg that’s good for a little less than 200 miles between fill ups.

2013 Yamaha XT250

Yamaha backs the XT250 with a one year limited factory warranty. It’s available in two-tone White and Blue with a base MSRP for 2013 of $5,190. The 2013 Yamaha XT250 is at your local dealership now.

TW200

Beginners and veteran riders alike will enjoy the confidence-inspiring TW200. Fat tires, comfortable seat height, compact chassis and full street equipment make the TW200 capable of handling any on- or off-road situation. The TW200 is outfitted with an electric starter and instrument panel that includes speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and indicator lights for neutral, high beams and turn signals.

2013 Yamaha TW250

Its air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, 196 cc engine is equipped with a 28 mm Mikuni carburetor and has a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The TW200 has a five-speed transmission and chain final drive. There’s a single 220 mm disc front brake and a 110 mm drum rear brake.

The 33 mm telescopic front fork has 6.3 inches of travel and the single rear shock provides 5.9 inches of travel. Even with 10.4 inches of ground clearance the seat height is only 31.1 inches. Wheelbase is 52.2 inches and wet weight is 278 pounds. Fuel capacity is 1.8 gallons, combined with an estimated 78 mpg for a between-fill-up range of right around 140 miles.

The TW200 carries Yamaha’s standard one year limited factory warranty. It’s available in the two-tone White and Blue. The 2013 Yamaha TW200 has a base MSRP of $4,590 and should be on showroom floors now.

2013 Off Road Models

Built for the trails and inspired by Yamaha’s YZ motocross lineup, these off road bikes will provide hours and miles of fun with family and friends. Yamaha’s TT-R line is designed especially for beginner to intermediate riders, or veteran riders just looking for some affordable fun in the mud.

WR450F

Borrowing frame and suspension design from Yamaha’s YZ motocross line, the WR450F is full of power and dependability. Equipped with a two-mode, digital enduro computer the WR450 offers riders the choice of basic mode with speedometer, clock, tripmeter and more, or race mode with pace management functions like time, distance-compensating tripmeter, average speed and more.

2013 Yamaha WR450F

It sports a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, four-stroke engine with five titanium valves and a compression ratio of 12.3:1. It has a five-speed transmission with chain final drive. The 48 mm, inverted front fork is fully adjustable and has 11.8 inches of travel. The single rear shock is also fully adjustable with 11.6 inches of travel. Single disc brakes on each wheel, 250 mm in front and 245 mm in the back, provide plenty of stopping power.

2013 Yamaha WR450F

There’s a generous 13.2 inches of ground clearance on the WR450F and a seat height of 37.8 inches. Wheelbase is 57.7 inches and wet weight is 273 pounds with a fuel capacity of 2.7 gallons. The WR450F has a 30-day limited factory warranty. It’s available in the two-tone Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha WR450F is $8,290. It will be at dealerships in October 2012.

TT-R230

Designed for intermediate riders, older youths and adults the Yamaha TT-R230 is a serious trail bike with handling and styling inspired by Yamaha’s YZ Motocross line. Its long, low, flat competition-style gripper seat provides plenty of room for rider movement.

2013 Yamaha TT-R230

The TT-R230 features an air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke 223 cc engine with a Teikei carburetor and compression ratio of 9.5:1. Firing up the bike is as simple as pushing the electric starter. A six-speed transmission and chain final drive deliver power to the rear wheel. There’s a 220 mm front disc brake and 130 mm rear drum brake.

The TT-R230 has 11.6 inches of ground clearance and the telescopic front fork affords 9.4 inches of travel while the single rear shock has 8.7 inches of travel. Seat height is 34.3 inches. Wheelbase is 54.5 inches The TT-R230 has a wet weight of 251 pounds and will hold 2.1 inches of fuel.

Yamaha backs the TT-R230 with a 90 day limited factory warranty. It’s available in two-tone Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP on the 2013 Yamaha TT-R230 is $3,990 and it will be at dealerships in October 2012.

TT-R125LE

Bigger kids to adults will love the big fun in this small package. The TT-R125LE supplies smooth, predictable power and a convenient electric starter to help intermediate and beginning riders develop confidence. The Yamaha TT-R125LE is powered by an air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke 124 cc engine with 20 mm Mikuni carburetor and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It has a five-speed transmission and chain final drive. Braking power comes via a single 220 mm front disc and 110 mm rear drum.

2013 Yamaha TT-R125LE

The TT-R125LE can handle most terrains with its 11.6 inches of ground clearance and 31 mm telescopic front fork’s 7.1 inches of travel and single rear shock providing 6.6 inches of travel. Seat height is 31.7 inches and wheelbase is 50 inches. Wet weight is 198 pounds with 1.6 gallons of fuel capacity.

There’s a 90 day limited factory warranty. The color package is Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP on the 2013 Yamaha TT-R125LE is $3,290. It hits dealerships in October 2012.

TT-R110E

Smaller riders will feel right at home on the TT-R110E. It has a low seat height, but plenty of ground clearance to take on any trail. It’s equipped with an air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke 110 cc engine with Mikuni carburetor and a 9.3:1 compression ratio. It sports a four-speed transmission with chain final drive. The TT-R110E has drum brakes, 95 mm in front and 110 mm in the rear.

2013 Yamaha TT-R110E

Ground clearance is 7.1 inches and the 31 mm telescopic front fork has 4.5 inches of travel and the rear suspension, a Monocross swingarm with coil spring and gas-oil damper, has 4.3 inches of travel. Seat height is 26.4 inches, which should accommodate must sized riders. Wheelbase is 42.5 inches. The fuel tank holds a full gallon and wet weight is 159 pounds.

Yamaha gives the TT-R110E a 90 day limited factory warranty. It comes in Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP on the 2013 Yamaha TT-R110E is $2,240. It should on showroom floors now.

TT-R50E

The smallest of the TT-R series of dirt bikes, the TT-R50E is the perfect choice for a beginning rider, or for just have loads of fun riding in the dirt. It has an air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke 49 cc engine with a Mikuni carburetor and compression ratio of 9.5:1. The three-speed transmission has an automatic clutch and chain final drive. Braking is provided via 80 mm drums front and back.

2013 Yamaha TT-R50E

The TT-R50E has 5.3 inches of ground clearance and the inverted telescopic front fork has 3.8 inches of travel and the single rear shock provides 2.8 inches of travel. Seat height is 21.9 inches so even the smallest riders will feel confident putting both feet on the ground. Wheelbase is 36.4 inches. It has a wet weight of 126 pounds and holds .82 gallons of fuel.

Yamaha’s standard 90 day limited factory warranty applies. The 2013 Yamaha TT-R50E comes in Team Yamaha Blue and White with a base MSRP of $1,540. It will be available in November 2012.

PW50

Made for the beginner, the PW50 features a fully automatic transmission and adjustable throttle so mom and dad can gradually increase available speed as their rider’s skills improve. And with a shaft final drive there’s no messy chain maintenance to worry about.

2013 Yamaha PW50

The PW50 has an air-cooled, two-stroke 49 cc engine with VM12 carburetor and 6.0:1 compression ratio. Brakes drums front and rear supply plenty of stopping power. Seat height is 19.1 inches and ground clearance is 4.1 inches. A telescopic front fork provides 2.4 inches of travel and the unit swingarm has 2.0 inches of rear travel. The PW50 weighs 86 pounds ready to ride and holds just over half a gallon of fuel.

Yamaha gives the PW50 a 90 day limited factory warranty. The 2013 Yamaha PW50 is available in Team Yamaha Blue and White with a base MSRP of $1,440 and should be in dealerships now.

Check Out The Full Yamaha Lineup

PowerSportsTV.com has resources for you to find the exact bike you’re looking for. Compare the Yamaha lineup with other manufacturers and even find a dealership near you.

Sometimes you just have to answer the call of the open road, clear your calendar and take a day, or week, or month and ride. And ride. And then ride some more. Yamaha has seven motorcycles it classifies as touring or adventure touring models. Six of them are marketed under the Star Motorcycles badge. We look at two very different bikes here, both made specifically for long days in the saddle, but each for a very different kind of touring.

Royal Star Venture S

The Royal Star Venture S is Yamaha’s top-of-the-line touring bike. Matter of fact, as far as price, it’s Yamaha’s top-of-the-line in any category, the only motorcycle Yamaha offers for the 2013 model year with an MSRP above $20,000. For that kind of money you’d expect to get a bike that’s loaded with luxurious standard features, plenty of storage room and the muscle to get you across the continent as smoothly as across town. The Royal Star Venture S delivers on all fronts.

2013 Yamaha Royal Star Venture S

You want standard features that cost extra on most full-dress touring machines? Start with a Star-branded, 8-gig iPod Touch connected to a four-speaker sound system with AM/FM radio. Add an on-board intercom system and CB radio. Then there’s the ergonomically designed bucket style seats with wraparound passenger backrest. Electronic cruise control makes motoring away the miles a breeze. A 15-gallon trunk and two 9.3-gallon sidebags combine for 33.6 total gallons of lockable storage. To top it off, Yamaha backs the Royal Star Venture S with an industry-leading 60-month, that’s five years, unlimited mileage warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance program.

The Venture S provides plenty of wind and weather protection with its wide, fork-mounted fairing, windshield and wind deflectors. Lower cowlings are frame-mounted and keep the elements off the rider’s legs. Both the rider and passenger get full-sized, floating-type floorboards to make shifting leg positions easier.

2013 Yamaha Royal Star Venture S

The console is pure vintage in looks but provides all the information you need, including digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel tripmeter, clock, fuel gauge, cruise control indicator, self diagnostics, speed sensor and indicators for neutral, high beams, turn signals and low oil level. All the controls are within easy reach.

The audio system, which also includes cassette and six-disc CD changer, has a single-point control system and drives 14 watts per channel through the four speakers. Automatic speed-regulated volume control helps makes sure you can hear your tunes over wind noise. The CB radio is handlebar-mounted and there’s a dual antenna for the CB and AM/FM radio.

If you find yourself needing more electric accessories than those that come standard on the Venture S, there’s a convenient cigarette lighter-type DC accessory connector in the fairing and a two-pin DC connector under the seat.

Powering the Venture S is a 1,294 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 70 degree, 16-valve, V-4 engine. Fuel is delivered via four heated 32 mm Mikuni carbs. The engine generates a more than adequate 97 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 89 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm and has 10.0:1 compression ratio. A wide-ratio five-speed transmission has a fifth-gear overdrive for low rev cruising speeds and passing power. The Royal Star Venture S has a shaft final drive. With a pipe on each side of the bike the four-into-two exhaust gives the Venture S a nice full-throated exhaust note and enhances its long, low profile.

Yamaha ensures a smooth ride on the Venture S with air-adjustable suspension front and back. The telescopic front fork has 5.5 inches of travel and the solo rear shock has 4.1 inches of travel. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power, with dual 298 mm discs in the front and a single 320 mm disc in the rear.

This is a big, long bike with an overall length of 104.5 inches and a wheelbase of 67.1 inches, plenty of room for rider and passenger to stretch out during a long ride. Rider seat height is a comfortable 29.5 inches. Did we mention the Venture S is a big bike? Wet weight is 869 pounds. Given that it’s that heavy, and has four cylinders, the claimed 39 mpg is pretty impressive. With its 6.1 gallon fuel capacity you should eat up around 235 miles of highway between fill ups.

For 2013 the Royal Star Venture S is available in the two-tone Charcoal Silver and Raven. Yamaha gives the Venture S an unlimited mileage, five-year, limited factory warranty. The base MSRP is $20,590. The 2013 Yamaha Royal Star Venture S should be on your dealership’s showroom floor right now.

Super Ténéré

The Super Ténéré is Yamaha’s sole entry in the adventure touring category, and it’s the only Yamaha tourer of any type that doesn’t wear the Star Motorcycle badge. But when you have a bike outfitted with this many standard features, how many do you really need in the same category?

2013 Yamaha Super Tenere

Yamaha won the first Paris to Dakar Rally in 1978 and has won eight more times since then. That experience inspired the introduction of the Super Ténéré as brand new model for the 2012 model year, and is still evident as the adventure tourer returns for 2013.

No matter the road surface, or for that matter, even if there is no road, the Super Ténéré is built to take you where you want to go. Three-mode traction control regulates ignition timing and fuel injection based on wheel spin. The rider can choose to turn the traction control off.

2013 Yamaha Super Tenere

Anti-lock and unified braking are also standard on the Super Ténéré. All of those electronic gizmos will usually add unwanted weight to a bike, but Yamaha’s engineers use the same wheel sensors for both the traction control and anti-lock braking systems. With the unified braking system, UBS, squeezing the front brake lever by itself provides some action from the rear brake. Press the rear brake pedal first and UBS is overridden and you get traditional separate front and rear braking function.

Variable throttle control is another standard feature. With two settings, the rider is able to adjust performance characteristics of the engine for riding conditions or personal preferences. In “S Mode” the engine has a more sporty performance and “T Mode” is suited touring or in-town riding.

There are other ways to adjust the Super Ténéré to a rider’s specific style, size and preference. The windshield is adjustable, as is the rider’s seat height. And both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable to match load and rider and passenger weight and road conditions.

If there’s one negative thing to say about the Super Ténéré, it’s that no luggage comes as standard equipment. Yamaha says this “flexible luggage system design” has three possible configurations; standard, which means no luggage, top case installed or side cases installed. The Super Ténéré luggage was designed side-by-side with the bike so it all works and looks great. It just would have been nice to equip an adventure touring bike with some way to take your stuff with you when you tour without forking over more money on accessories that some would consider necessary standard equipment by definition of the the type of bike.

A liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC parallel-twin engine with a compression ratio of 11.0:1 powers the Super Ténéré. The six-speed transmission features a top gear overdrive for optimized for lower rpm highway cruising. A shaft final drive gets power to the rear wheel.

Gonna be riding on the Interstate, or maybe your route takes you where there are no roads. No matter. Suspension on the Super Ténéré is fully adjustable to handle most any surface. The 43 mm inverted front fork has eight spring preload settings, 10 settings for rebound and 13 for compression damping and provides 7.5 inches of travel. Rear suspension, featuring a solo shock, has six spring preload settings, 18 settings for rebound damping and 7.5 inches of travel.

That ABS, UBS braking system features dual 310 mm hydraulic discs in front and a single 282 mm disc in the rear. The seat height can be set at either 33.3 or 34.3 inches. Wheelbase is 60.6 inches and the Super Ténéré has a wet weight of 578 pounds. It gets a claimed 40 mpg with a fuel capacity of six gallons, good for an even 240-mile range, which will come in handy if your travels take you where the gas stations are few and far between.

2013 Yamaha Super Tenere

Yamaha gives the Super Ténéré its standard one-year limited factory warranty. For 2013 you can choose between Matte Gray or Pearl White. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha Super Ténéré is 14,790. The bike will hitting dealer’s showrooms in October 2012.

More Yamaha Touring Models

PowerSportsTV.com provides you with lots of tools to research, compare and find these bikes and the full line of Yamaha motorcycles. You can even compare the Yamaha and Star models to comparable bikes from other manufacturers.

Yamaha has a long tradition of winning race bikes and they’ve used that experience and knowledge in their street ready Super Sport lineup. For 2013 Yamaha has six motorcycles in the category.

FJR1300A

Combining sporty performance with touring comfort and convenience, the 2013 FJR1300A is Yamaha’s sole entry in the super sport touring class. Yamaha has included so many upgrades that the 2013 model is practically a brand new motorcycle. Styling updates include a total redesign of both the upper and lower cowl. The lower cowl sports a new shape and adjustable panel to provide increased wind and weather protection. The panel can be adjusted without the use of tools.

2013 Yamaha FJR1300A

Updates were also made to the electronically adjustable windscreen. Adjustment speed is twice as fast and the windscreen holds its position when the key is turned off. Behind the windscreen the dash and instrument panel are totally new. A three part arrangement has an analog tachometer on the left, digital readouts for speedometer, clock, gear position, fuel gauge and more in the center and indicator and warning lights on the right. The rider can switch between functions that are displayed.

“Two-eyed” headlights and daytime LED running lights include easy to access adjustment knobs so the lights can be adjusted up or down. New LED front turn signals are built into the body of the under cowl. Handlebars and rider seat are both adjustable, there are three positions for the handlebars and two for the seat. The seat, a two-piece model, also has a new suede look and features different foam densities in the front and rear sections to increase comfort on long rides.

Not all of the upgrades on the 2013 FJR1300A are simply for style. Cruise control comes standard, and can be adjusted with a single push of the switch. To increase or decrease speed in larger increments the rider simply holds down on the switch. Applying the brakes, clutch or throttle disengages the cruise control. The resume button re-engages it at the most recent setting.

Unified anti-lock brakes are also standard on the 2013 Yamaha FJR1300A. Pressing the front brake lever also applies pressure to the rear brake. When applying the rear brakes first both act independently. A new D-Mode system gives the rider a choice between engine performance modes, T-Mode is suitable for touring while S-Mode provides more sporty performance. Traction control, another standard feature, can be turned off or on. When on, the system monitors wheel spin and adjusts ignition timing, fuel injection volume and throttle opening to maintain traction.

For even more comfort Yamaha includes heated grips and a central vent beneath the instrument panel. The vent aids in cooling and reduces negative pressure to reduce buffeting. There’s an integrated grab handle at the rear of the frame to make lifting the FJR1300A easier to lift onto its centerstand. Inside the glove box there’s a 12 volt outlet to power electric accessories.

A fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, inline four-cylinder 1,298 cc engine with a compression ratio of 10.8:1 powers the FJR1300A. There’s a five-speed transmission and shaft final drive. Suspension on the FJR1300A is adjustable. The 48 mm front fork is fully adjustable and provides 5.3 inches of travel. The single rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound damping and has 4.9 inches of travel.

The unified, anti-lock brakes use dual 320 mm discs in the front and a single 282 mm disc in the rear. Rider seat height is adjustable to a low 31.7 inches, or for taller riders, 32.5 inches. Wheelbase is 60.8 inches and ground clearance is 5.1 inches. Fuel capacity is 6.6 gallons. Fuel economy figures are not yet available.

Yamaha backs the FJR1300A with their one-year limited factory warranty. Stone Gray is the sole color choice. Base MSRP on the 2013 Yamaha FJR1300A is $15,890. The FJR1300A is due in dealerships in October 2012.

YZF-R1

Yamaha calls the YZF-R1 “the most advanced Open Class sportbike on the planet.” At first look, that may seem like hyperbole. But the YZF-R1 is coming off of back-to-back Superbike Championships. It’s also the the first production bike to employ a crossplane crankshaft that delivers plenty of smooth power and torque.

2013 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha gives YZF-R1 riders a combination of 21 choices to tailor their ride, with the seven positions of the traction control system and three D-Mode positions. Footrests on the bike are also adjustable, with 15 mm of height and 3 mm of front-to-rear adjustment available to give every rider a custom fit.

The YZF-R1 has a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve inline four-cylinder engine with a compression rate of 12.7:1. The transmission is a six-speed with chain final drive. Dual 310 mm discs with radial-mounted 6-piston calipers in front and a single 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper in the rear handle braking duties.

Inspired by Yamaha’s MotoGP M1, the adjustable 43 mm, inverted front forks confine compression damping duties to the left fork and rebound damping to the right. Both high and low speed compression damping are featured on the single rear shock which has preload adjustment. Both front and rear suspension provide 4.7 inches of travel.

Seat height is 32.9 inches and wheelbase is 55.7 inches. Wet weight is 454 pounds with a 4.8 gallon fuel capacity and reported 33 mpg. That’s good for a range of a little over 150 miles between fill ups.

2013 Yamaha YZF-R1 Gauges

Yamaha’s standard one year limited factory warranty applies to the YZF-R1. Three color options are available; Rapid Red and Raven, Matte Gray or Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha YZF-R1 is $14,290. Selection of the Yamaha Blue and White color takes that to $14,490. The YZF-R1 should be in dealerships now.

YZF-R6

Light, powerful and full of the latest technology inspired by Yamaha’s years of racing, the YZF-R6 is the most advanced production 600 cc class super sportbike Yamaha has ever built. It was the first production bike with Yamaha’s YCC-T, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle system.

2013 Yamaha YZF-R6

Powering the YZF-R6 is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 16 valve inline four-cylinder engine with an amazing 13.1:1 compression ratio. It has a six-speed transmission and chain final drive. Up front there are dual 310 mm floating discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers. The rear brake is a single 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper.

With four-way adjustment, the 41 mm inverted front fork has 4.5 inches of travel. The single rear shock, also with four-way adjustment, provides 4.7 inches of travel. Seat height is 33.5 inches with a wheelbase of 54.1 inches. Wet weight is 417 pounds. The YZF-R6 weighs in at 417 pounds ready to ride. It’ll hold 4.5 gallons of fuel and gets a reported 40 mpg for a range of 180 miles.

Yamaha gives the YZF-R6 its standard one year limited factory warranty. Color options are Rapid Red and Pearl White, Matte Gray or Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha YZF-R6 is $10,990. The Team Yamaha Blue and White color option takes that $11,190. It should hitting dealers’ floors in October 2012.

FZ1

So much of the FZ1 was inspired by the R1, the fuel injection system, twin spar aluminum frame and adjustable suspension, that Yamaha says, “think of it as an upright R1.” The FZ1 oozes street brawler attitude.

2013 Yamaha FZ1

Sporting a compact design, the engine is a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 20 valve inline four-cylinder with a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The FZ1 has a six-speed transmission with chain final drive. Brakes in the front are dual 320 mm floating discs with four-piston calipers. In the back there’s a single 245 mm disc with single-piston caliper.

The fully adjustable 43mm front fork provides 5.1 inches of travel and the single rear shock, adjustable for preload and rebound damping, has 5.1 inches of travel. Seat height is 32.1 inches, ground clearance is 5.3 inches and the wheelbase is 57.5 inches. Ready to ride the FZ1 weighs 487 pounds. Fuel capacity is 4.8 gallons and claimed fuel economy is 35 mpg for a between-fill-up range of just under 170 miles.

There’s a one year limited factory warranty on the FZ1. Cobalt Blue is the lone color option. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha FZ1 is $10,790. The bikes should start showing up in showrooms in October 2012, except for in California, which should get their’s beginning in November.

FZ8

A muscle bike with naked styling, the FZ8 got a number of upgrades for 2013. A redesigned muffler with a new shape adds to the attitude of the bike. The suspension system was also updated, with adjustable rebound damping now on the rear shock and adjustable rebound and compression damping on the front forks. New material with dual-texturing was added to the seat for enhanced comfort and looks.

2013 Yamaha FZ8

The FZ8 has a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 16 valve 779 cc inline four-cylinder engine with a 12.0:1 compression ratio. The transmission is a six-speed with chain final drive. Front brakes are dual 310 mm hydraulic discs and in the rear there’s a single 267 mm disc.

Suspension, via the telescopic front fork and single rear shock, provides 5.1 inches of travel front and rear. Seat height is 32.1 inches, ground clearance is 5.5 inches and wheelbase is a compact 57.5 inches. Wet weight is 467 pounds with a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons and reported 39 mpg. Range on the FZ8 is right at 175 miles.

Yamaha gives the FZ8 the standard one year limited factory warranty. One two-tone color scheme is available, Matte Gray and Matte Black. Base MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha FZ8 is $8,890. It’ll be available beginning in February 2013.

FZ6R

Billed as a starter sportsbike, the FZ6R has loads of features to inspire confidence in new riders, but provides enough power to keep veteran riders happy. With a low and adjustable seat height, that’s narrow in the right places, make it easy to get both feet on the ground at a stop. And the handlebars have 20 mm of adjustment to make it easy for riders of most sizes to get a comfortable grip.

2013 Yamaha FZ6R

There’s plenty of power to keep newbies riding this bike for years to come. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 16 valve inline four-cylinder engine has an impressive compression ratio of 12.2:1. The transmission is a six-speed with chain final drive.

Braking power is provided by a single 298 mm hydraulic front disc and a single 245 mm hydraulic rear disc. The suspension, telescopic front for and single rear shock, provides 5.1 inches of travel front and rear.

Seat height is 30.9 inches, ground clearance is 5.5 inches and wheelbase is 56.7 inches. Wet weight is a manageable 470 pounds. Fuel capacity is 4.6 gallons and the FZ6R gets a reported 43 mpg for a range of just under 200 miles.

Yamaha gives the FZ6R its one year limited factory warranty. There are two color options, Pearl White and the two-tone Team Yamaha Blue and White. Base MSRP on the 2013 Yamaha FZ6R is $7,790. With the two-tone color option the MSRP goes to $7,890. The FZ6R will be hitting dealerships during October 2012.

Learn More About Yamaha’s 2013 Super Sport Lineup

You can research the entire 2013 Yamaha lineup right here on PowerSportsTV.com, with head-to-head comparisons within the line or with comparable models from other manufacturers. There’s even a dealer locater function.

The low, long aluminum frame and sculpted seat add to the look and handling of the Stratoliner S. Most of the standard touring features are easily detachable. Leather-covered, locking hard saddlebags come off to make washing the bike easier. Both the windshield and passenger backrest remove quickly and lock back into place easily.

Floating rider floorboards and the adjustable heel-toe shifter provide long range comfort for riders of any size. The two-piece seat has a wide, flat profile and ridge at the back of the passenger seat for increased support and security. A fuel tank mounted instrument panel adds to the classic look of the Stratoliner S with clock-style analog speedometer, tach and fuel gauge. There’s also a digital odometer and twin tripmeters.

Adding to the classic lines of the Stratoliner S is the air-cooled, fuel-injected, OVH, eight-valve, 1,854 cc, 48-degree V-Twin engine with a 9.5:1 compression ratio. The cooling fins of the engine are optimized for heat dissipation and are custom-machined to enhance their looks.

For 2013 Yamaha claims the clutch on the Stratoliner S requires 20 percent less effort to operate. It’s connected to the five-speed transmission. Final drive on the Stratoliner S is belt.

A 46 mm, telescopic front fork with 4.3 inches of travel and hidden rear shock with 4.3 inches of travel provide suspension and add to the classic looks of the Stratoliner S. Hydraulic disc brakes, dual 298 mm front discs and a single 320 mm rear disc, have plenty of stopping power.

Rider seat height is 27.8 inches, wheelbase is 67.5 inches. The Stratoliner S is a big bike, weighing in at 813 pounds wet. The flangless, teardrop tank holds 4.5 gallons of gas. Estimated mileage is 42 mpg for a range just shy of 190 miles.

2013 Yamaha Stratoliner S

A one-year, limited factory warranty comes with the Stratoliner S. Deep Blue is the sole color option for 2013. Base MSRP is $17,590 and the 2013 Yamaha Stratoliner should be at dealerships in October 2012.

Roadliner S

This is a motorcycle with classic cruiser styling, from the low, long frame to the air-cooled engine, rider floorboards, and hidden rear shock. But it’s loaded with the latest Yamaha technology, including fuel-injection, new assist and slipper clutch and self-canceling turn signals.

2013 Yamaha Roadliner S

A tank-mounted instrument panel includes a large analog speedometer with smaller analog tach and fuel gauge just beneath the speedo. There are also digital dual tripmeters, odometer, fuel reserve tripmeter and clock. Background illumination on the readout is adjustable.

The Roadliner S shares a lot of DNA with the Stratoliner S. It has the same air-cooled, fuel-injected, OHV, 1,854 cc, 48-degree V-Twin engine with four valves per cylinder. Yamaha tuned the engine on the Roadliner S for a 9.48:1 compression ratio. There’s a five-speed transmission and belt final drive. The clutch is 20 percent easier to operate than on previous models. And the two-piece heel-toe shifter allows the rider to adjust each piece individually to accommodate any size foot. The rear, or heel, section can be removed entirely.

2013 Yamaha Roadliner S

Polished 12-spokes add to the retro look but are mounted with tubeless radial tires. Dual 298 mm hydraulic discs in the front and a large 320 mm rear hydraulic disc provide braking power. Suspension comes from a 46 mm telescopic front fork with 5.1 inches of travel and the adjustable, hidden, single rear shock has 4.3 inches of travel.

With a wet weight of 750 pounds the Roadliner S is rated at 42 mpg. Given its 4.5 gallon fuel tank you should get around 185 miles of riding in between fill ups. Seat height i 2 7.8 inches, wheelbase is 67.5 inches.

The Roadliner S comes with a limited, one-year factory warranty. It’s available in Raven and carries a base MSRP for 2013 of $15,690. It’ll be in showrooms in October 2012.

Road Star Silverado S

A full dresser with plenty of chrome, adjustable and removable police-style windshield, wide, swept-back handlebars, full fenders and locking color-matched hard saddlebags, the Road Star Silverado S has plenty of classic good looks and a price tag under $16,000.

2013 Yamaha Roadstar Silverado S

The two piece seat with passenger backrest is designed for hours of travel without fatigue. Floating-type rider floorboards with heel-toe shifter and passenger floorboards give you ample room to change leg positions. An ultra-thin instrument display is mounted on the fuel tank with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, clock and fuel gauge. There are also indicator lights for low fuel, high beam, turn indicators, neutral and diagnostic warning lights.

Power comes from the 1,670 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, OHV 48-degree V-Twin with four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The Road Star Silverado S has a five-speed transmission and belt final drive.

2013 Yamaha Roadstar Silverado S Exhaust

Classic cruiser hardtail lines are maintained with a hidden single rear shock that provides 4.3 inches of travel. Suspension in the front comes from the 43 mm fork with 5.5 inches of travel. Hydraulic disc brakes, two 298 mm front discs and a single 320 mm rear disc handle the stopping power.

The rider sits 27.9 inches off the ground and wheelbase is 66.5 inches. The Road Star Silverado S weighs 773 with full fluid levels, including a full tank of gas, which would be 4.8 gallons. Rated to get 36 mpg you should be able to travel around 170 miles between fill ups.

Yamaha backs the Road Star Silverado S with its one-year, limited factory warranty. Impact Blue is the 2013 color for the Silverado S. Base MSRP is $15,890 and the Road Star Silverado S should be at dealerships now.

Road Star S

One of the most customized air-cooled V-Twins on the market, the Road Star S features a combination of chrome and blacked-out features. With similar lines and specs, and the same engine, as the Road Star Silverado S, the Road Star S is dripping with old-school cool.

From the thin tank-mounted instrument display, to the full fenders, this is the bike the Stratoliner S was built on, but it lacks the touring amenities, such as the windshield, hard saddlebags and passenger floorboards.

The Road Star S has a fuel-injected, air-cooled, eight-valve, OHV, 1,670 cc, 48-degree V-Twin with a compression ratio of 8.4:1. There’s a five-speed transmission and belt final drive. The suspension system includes the 43 mm front fork with 5.5 inches of travel and the hidden, solo rear shock with 4.3 inches of travel. Brakes are of the hydraulic disc variety, dual 298 mm front discs and a single 320 mm rear disc.

Seat height is 27.9 inches, wheelbase is 66.5 inches. The Road Star S holds 4.8 gallons of fuel and gets 36 mpg for a range of about 170 miles. Weight wet is 743 pounds. The Road Star S is available in Raven. It has Yamaha’s one-year, limited factory warranty. The 2013 base MSRP is $13,790 and the Road Star S is on showroom floors now.

More Details On The 2013 Yamaha Lineup

PowerSportsTV.com has the tools for you to research the entire Yamaha and Star Motorcycles lineup; compare them head-to-head or against similar models from other manufacturers. You can even locate dealers near you.

Minivans have had a detailed past. Some people have fallen in love with them, while others simply choose to never give them a chance. Some people thought they were a passing fad in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the past few years have seen a resurgence in minivans and the 2013 Honda Odyssey is leading the minivan renaissance for the 2010s. Unlike the minivans of the past, today’s minivans are much more hip and “connected” for current and future electronics and this is certainly true about the Odyssey.

2013 Honda Odyssey Exterior

There are many notable improvements and additions for the 2013 Honda Odyssey compared to earlier models. The most important improvements include adding industry-leading child seat tethering locations (six to be exact) and five latch locations. Safety features include a standard rearview camera that gives you a panoramic view of the back of the car which is perfect for backing up. Additional safety features include a built-in blind-spot system and self-leveling headlamps.

There are other notable features for the Odyssey that touch on safety, fuel efficiency and price. This year’s model, on average, is rated at 28 miles per gallon for the Odyssey – in fact, it leads the industry in fuel efficiency when compared to any other competing eight-passenger minivan. Regardless of the trim you pick, the 2013 Odyssey qualified for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” award. The Odyssey has also earned the best comprehensive safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because it has been awarded 5 stars in the Overall Vehicle Score category. Every single other minivan on the market cannot make this claim.

The 2013 Honda Odyssey is not lacking any power, reliability or fuel efficiency with the engine under its hood. Every single Odyssey minivan has a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine with built-in Variable Cylinder Management. The Variable Cylinder Management technology gives every single Odyssey the perfect blend of great fuel efficiency, ultra-low emissions and a great level of performance. This engine is able to produce 248 horsepower along with plenty of power with 250 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Moreover, most reviewers have noted this combination of horsepower and torque gives it the perfect balance of responsiveness and acceleration while still enabling the car to maintain its six-cylinder fuel efficiency. The 2013 Odyssey Touring model is rated at 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined while the LX, EX and EX-L trim models get a respectable 18/27/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The different trim levels, with the exception of the Touring model, have a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The Touring models have a 6-speed automatic transmission – this gives it a smoother and even more responsive driving experience.

2013 Honda Odyssey Engine

Even though it’s a minivan, the 2013 Honda Odyssey still has an appealing and aerodynamic body to it. With its unique body style, the Odyssey is decorated with its signature “lightning bolt” side character line that gives this vehicle a fluid look. This artwork on the minivan, along with giving it an aesthetically pleasing look, enables occupants in the rear row to have a great view of the outside. Along with aesthetics, the Odyssey’s specially designed body is made from a 59-percent extremely durable steel; this ensures that exterior noise while traveling is minimized for a more pleasant ride. This proprietary frame also helps the car weigh less and therefore have better fuel efficiency than many of its competitors.

The Honda Odyssey’s chassis is another great engineering marvel by Honda. The Odyssey’s 118.1-inch wheelbase is complemented with an independent suspension and a stability assisting system that gives drivers a responsive, assured and comfy ride. Occupants will feel comfortable and confident with the Honda Odyssey because it has traction control, a multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut front suspension.

There is nothing lacking in the interior of this minivan. It can handle child seats, adult occupants and loads of cargo. Taking a survey of the LX and EX trim models, total passenger volume increases to a generous 172.5 cubic feet with the cargo capacity reaching 38.4 cubic feet. Cargo capacity is increased up to 148.5 cubic feet after configuring the vehicle’s seats properly. This minivan has triple rows for seating and provides ample legroom for the most discerning occupant.

When it comes to the interior, there are many different options contingent upon the trim model. Since there are many different trim models from the LX to the EX, EX-L and the Touring and Touring Elite, there are different standard and premium options available. Both the LX and EX trim models have a streamlined center stack configuration. This new configuration has an eight-inch display that is the vehicle’s “command center” that manages its USB input, CD library and Bluetooth® Audio functioning. All trim levels have air conditioning, power windows, telescopic steering, a built-in system for regular and acute maintenance and power driver’s seat. The EX and Touring trim models have power sliding back doors and middle console storage. The EX-L trim models have leather accented surfaces, in the front and middle rows, a cooling box and the ability to have XM Radio® service. The Touring model has Honda’s proprietary satellite guided navigation system, a complete entertainment system featuring a 9-inch display, a driver’s seat that can be set to remember the seating preferences of two different individuals. Additional amenities for the Touring model include a 115-volt power outlet, parking sensors, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda Odyssey is loaded with countless safety features to let you enjoy the ride. Similar to other vehicles from Honda, the Odyssey is built with a bumper to bumper frame design that is made to take the force of the impact from frontal. This structural design minimizes the chances of suffering life-threatening or fatal injuries. Other safety features include a proprietary stability assist system and anti-lock brakes. There is a comprehensive system of airbags which include triple-row side curtain airbags that have rollover sensors, front-row side airbags and two-tier, multi-threshold front airbags.

As one can see, the 2013 Honda Odyssey, no matter what trim model you choose, is a minivan for the 21st Century and will take you for a great ride for many years to come.

The 2013 Honda Insight is back at it again after going through a bumper to bumper change in 2010. Similar to the 2012 model, it still has a very spacious interior, a multi-tasking hatchback design, an easy to drive design and a industry-recognized acceptable maintenance and ownership cost. Falling back on further 2012 attributes this model from Honda is still the best hybrid deal on the market in America. The 2013 Honda Insight is also priced the same as the 2012 model, at $18,500, giving you, the consumer, an even better deal for Honda’s hybrid model.

Looking at the 2013 Insight, there are three different trim models, the Base, LX and EX. While the base model is geared towards budget conscious consumers, it is not lacking in any features. The Base model has hands-free climate control, power windows and a generous and rich-sounding 160 watt speaker system. The mid-level, the LX trim model has everything the Base does and adds a console with armrests, a security system, audio controls that are fully adjustable from the steering-wheel, heavy-duty floor mats, cruise control, and a USB port that works to charge electronics or accept data for your audio and GPS systems. The top-of-the-line model, the EX trim, builds on the LX’s features and has a rich six-speaker audio system, mirrors with built-in heaters and lighted turn signals, alloy wheels, Bluetooth ® for cellphones, navigation systems and even Internet services. The LX also has daytime running headlights, leather-encased steering wheel, a rearview camera, and an optional voice-recognition navigation system that provides operators with on-demand satellite-based directions.

When it comes to the 2013 Honda Insight’s powertrain, power and responsiveness are taken care of perfectly. Since the Insight is a hybrid, its engine features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, capable of producing 98 horsepower and 123 lb-ft or torque. It is complemented by a 10-kilowatt electric engine that is chargeable at home or on the road through passive kinetic energy. Every model features Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a technologically advanced transmission systems that utilizes a next generation transmissions system with variable pulleys instead of gears found in earlier Honda transmissions. This car is specifically engineered with Honda’s Drive-by-Wire™ proprietary system that works hand in hand with the CVT to give the operator the most efficient drive ratio possible. Customers who choose the EX trim, receive a steering wheel with paddle shifters. This system permits the operator to personally shift through a series of 7 fixed ratios for a comfortable and responsive drive. Customers can also rest easy about the environment and their wallets with the built-in Eco Assist™ that Honda engineers into every 2013 Insight engine.

When it comes to Honda’s 2013 Honda Insight, its body and chassis are not lacking in any respect. Building on improvements from past years, its grill is further refined, featuring a blue accented bar that embodies the Insight’s hybrid soul. It has become more and more aerodynamic because its front wheels have been extended more; this enables air to have less drag on the Insight, giving it better fuel efficiency around the front tires. The engine’s bay design underbody cover was also refined and air diffuser are installed beneath the back bumper to round out airflow at the rear of the car. These adjustments, together, add up to a 2-percent bump in aerodynamic performance. When it comes to the chassis, the Insight is built on a MacPherson strut front suspension and is combined with a torsion-beam rear suspension. This coupling gives occupants of the Insights the most space possible. The Insight also features 15-inch steel wheels that have covers on the Base and LX models, while the EX model has 15-inch alloy wheels. All models have a 36.1-foot turn diameter which gives it responsive maneuverability in the city or the country. All models of the Insight also have electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion power steering (EPS); this offers a reliable and steady steering mechanism. This power steering also enables the Insight to provide its drivers greater fuel efficiency.

Looking inside, you will see the 2013 Honda Insight has not given up one interior comfort or feature. Along with its ability to have the driver and as many as five occupants in the car in comfort, there is still ample cargo room with its 31.5 cubic feet of space. This massive cargo space is due to its back seatbacks that split 60/40. While driving, the operator and front passenger alike will have information on the vehicle’s status with its futuristic and informative instrument panel layout. The Multi-Information Display (MID) permits instant access to all gauges on the dash and through its easy to access steering-wheel mounted controls. The LX trim has top-notch seat fabric, the EX trim features a hybrid faux leather and premium fabric for the upholstery. All trim models have automatically controlled climate control. Optional upgrades on the EX include Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ that works on voice commands, has a rearview backup camera and has on-demand navigation system that works with over seven-million destinations all over the United States.

2013 Honda Insight Interior

No matter what Insight trim level you purchase, safety has not been sacrificed. Some notable safety features include two-stage, multi-threshold driver and passenger airbags. It also has front-side airbags with a standard passive passenger-side position detection system. Other standard features include anti-lock brakes, front head restraints, a specially designed front body structure to help minimize pedestrian injuries. There is also a proprietary body design (Honda only) that enables increased passenger and driver protection against different types of car crashes. Further safety features include anti-lock brakes with Honda’s electronic brake distribution (EBD), a side-curtain airbag system, and active head restraints for both the operator and front passenger. The 2013 Honda Insight was also rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It earned this rating because it passed the IIHS’ side and front impact tests, its rollover tests and the Insights’s ability to protect against neck injuries in rear impacts. This car earned the “Top Safety Pick” because it rated “good,” which is the best possible rating by this rating agency’s crash tests.

Yamaha’s Star Motorcycles are all classified as cruisers. And most of them look like cruisers. Most of them. There are several models in the 2013 Star lineup that standout by virtue of their looks and performance.

Yamaha Star VMAX

Since its introduction in 1985 the VMAX has been turning heads. Yamaha contracted English designer John Reed to construct the ultimate custom power cruiser. What he came up with was the four-cylinder, 16-valve VMAX. That first edition VMAX put out a claimed 145 horsepower. With a major upgrade for the 2009 model year the VMAX power output jumped to 197.4 horsepower, 123 foot-pounds of torque and a more impressive power-to-weight ratio than the Ferrari Enzo.

2013 Yamaha Star VMAX

Classified as a cruiser, Yamaha touts the VMAX as the “ultimate fusion of brawn and brains.” The bike relies heavily on sportbike technology, like a slipper clutch and wave-style brake discs. Unique styling cues on the VMAX include the bike’s iconic handbuffed, aluminum intake covers, oxidized-titanium-coated front fork tube, magnesium engine side covers and four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust.

Standard features on the VMAX include some you won’t find on many other cruisers, like the immobilizer ignition system that keeps the ignition system, fuel pump and starter motor from functioning without the presence of the coded ignition key. This feature helps prevent ride away theft. The lean angle engine kill switch automatically stops the engine if it detects the motorcycle is laying on its side to prevent damage to the powerplant.

Instrumentation on the VMAX includes an analog, step-motor driven tachometer and digital speedometer with LED indicators and an LED shift timing indicator. The multi-function display uses organic electroluminescene for a more precise display than LCD. Included in the display are a clock, fuel meter, tripmeter, fuel reserve tripmeter, coolant temperature, gear position and stopwatch.

At the heart of the VMAX is that big, 1,679 cc, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 65- degree V-4 powerplant with a compression ratio of 11.3:1. Yamaha’s fuel-injection system, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) switches on the fly between 150 mm and 54 mm intake funnels to deliver maximum performance throughout the powerband. The VMAX has two radiators to increase efficiency.

A five-speed transmission with a hydraulically activated, race-inspired slip clutch and a heavy duty shaft drive deliver power to the rear wheel. The shaft is designed with two cross joints because of the beefy rear tire.

All that power demands powerful brakes, and the VMAX delivers there as well. Yamaha selected Brembo master cylinders for both the rear and front, and the front has a radial pump and reserve tank. Wave-style dual 320 mm discs with radial-mounted mono block six-piston calipers are up front. In the back there’s a single 298 mm wave-style disc and single-piston caliper. Three-position ABS comes standard on the VMAX.

Suspension on the VMAX is fully adjustable. The cartridge-damper-type front forks with 52 mm inner tubes feature adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring reload. The single rear shock has compression and rebound clickers and remote preload adjustment.

2013 Yamaha Star VMAX on the Road

The VMAX has a seat height of 30.5 inches and wheelbase of 66.9 inches. The four-gallon fuel tank is tucked under the rider’s seat for mass centralization and to keep the bike’s looks clean. The big V-4 gets an estimated 27 mpg for a range of just over 100 miles. The VMAX weighs in at 683 pounds ready to ride.

Yamaha introduced the Stryker for the 2011 model year to fill the displacement gap between the Raiders and the V Star 950. Design work on the mid-sized custom cruiser was a collaboration between the Yamaha design team, custom bike builder Jeff Palhegyi and California based design company GKDI.

2013 Yamaha Star Stryker

That design work is still evident on the 2013 Yamaha Stryker. Yamaha describes the riding position of the Stryker as “fists in the wind” and pure attitude. The 34 degree rake and yoke offset of six degrees combine for a total fork angle of 40 degrees and give the Stryker a muscle chopper look. Normally a radically raked front end and lots of trail, the Stryker has 109 mm of trail, translate to heavy steering. But because of the six degrees of yoke offset handling on the Stryker is light and nimble.

Custom chopper inspired styling cues don’t stop there. The 2-into-1-into 2 exhaust system was specially designed for the Stryker to add to its bad boy attitude. It’s dual slash cut mufflers have an exhaust note that Yamaha calls the “sound of acceleration.”

The low, one-piece rider-passenger seat combined with thick one-inch handlebars put the rider’s arms in a position that’s level with the horizon. The long, low frame is highlighted by steel fenders that make it easier to customize the Stryker. Under those fenders is fat 210-series rear tire and a tall, skinny 21-inch front tire.

A chrome housing mounted on the handlebars contains the instrument cluster with an analog speedometer, digital odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel reserve tripmeter that displays mileage since the bike went to reserve, fuel gauge, clock and warning lights. The rider can cycle through the readouts and reset tripmeters with a switch on the right handlebar.

The Stryker features a 1,304 cc, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 60-degree V-Twin engine with four valves per cylinder and a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Yamaha wanted a classic air-cooled look for the Stryker, so they added engine cooling fins and routed liquids through carefully hidden hoses and internal engine passages. The appearance of the radiator is minimized by mounting it between the front frame downtubes.

2013 Yamaha Star Stryker Exhaust

All that power from the engine is transferred to the rear wheel via a five-speed transmission with fifth gear overdrive and belt final drive. The 41 mm telescopic front fork provides 5.3 inches of travel. Vertically mounted and tucked out of sight to maintain a hard tail look, the single rear shock has 3.9 inches of travel.

Big hydraulic disc brakes, 320 mm in the front and 310 mm in back, provide stopping power. The Stryker has a seat height of 26.4 inches and a wheelbase of 68.9 inches. Wet weight is 646 pounds. The teardrop gas tank holds 4 gallons, and with the Stryker’s estimated 40.9 mpg has an estimated range of about 160 miles between fill ups.

For 2013 Yamaha offers two trim packages for the Stryker, high-quality chrome or a blacked-out package. Color options include Candy Red, Pearl White or Raven. The Stryker comes with Yamaha’s one year limited factory warranty and a 2013 base MSRP of $11,590.

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